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I'll tell you more about what happened and what to look for in your own estate plan to make sure that doesn't happen to your family next week.

In the meantime, if you are going to do it yourself, take this advice:

1.) Get whatever you do reviewed by a lawyer. It's better to know than to wonder. Contact a Personal Family Lawyer to review your Do It Yourself Legal Documents (Suze Orman Will & Trust Kit, LegalZoom, Trust on the Web, any of them) and if you use certificate code DIY, they'll waive the $950 existing plan review and consultation fee.

2.) Make sure you do the whole job, not just part of it. For example, if you incorporate yourself, don't think filing documents with the State alone is the final step -- you need corporate operating documents, you need to issue stock or membership interests, you need contracts and board resolutions, meeting minutes and a registered agent. If you don't have all of these things (and more) your personal assets are not protected from your business risks.

3.) If you have kids, make sure you've adequately provided for their care. Most do it yourself legal products (and lawyers themselves for that matter) don't adequately plan for the things parents really care about. My book Wear Clean Underwear! A Fast, Fun, Friendly - and Essential - Guide to Legal Planning for Busy Parents will guide you to exactly what you need to do and help you fix whatever you may have done wrong.

Doing something is better than nothing, but doing something wrong and thinking everything has been taken care of is the worst of all.